Liverpool: 4 takeaways from the 3-0 win over Burnley

Nat Phillips exudes excellence

Although Nat Phillips has sometimes come under fire over the past couple of months as an injury replacement at center back, the reality is that he’s proven to be a capable Premier League defender and someone who can maintain a spot in the squad for the upcoming season.

Phillips has looked good in recent fixtures, including over the weekend against West Brom. And he reached new heights at Burnley, saving a goal and scoring one of his own.

His headed effort was the first goal of his career and was an exhibition in heading placement. Sadio Mane’s delivery was delightful, and Phillips wasn’t going to waste the opportunity to give Liverpool some breathing room at Turf Moor with a 2-0 lead.

Kopites will be most pleased with the consistency of Phillips’ defending. He was equal to the hard-working and physical Chris Wood. Phillips is one of those young men who is willing to put everything on the line in defense, and that’s the kind of central defender Liverpool needed to emerge. Ozan Kabak’s injury could have been disastrous for the Reds’ back four, but Phillips deserves huge credit for helping this team hold things together.

Liverpool deserved this clean sheet, and Phillips was absolutely the key factor in his team holding Burnley off the scoresheet.